David Highness Interview, March 17, 2025

Dave Highness describes his experience working as an Information Technology Specialist at the O’Connor Center in the mid-1990s. After recounting his upbringing in Missoula, Dave details how his passion for making maps led him to pursue a master’s degree in geography at the University of Montana. He then explains how the Geographic Information System (GIS) opened new job opportunities. Dave recalls how Larry Swanson recruited him and other graduate students to work part-time on the O’Connor Center’s Regional Economic Assessment Database (READ). He explains how Larry Swanson used READ to help local policymakers make informed decisions on their economies. Dave describes his early offices at the O’Connor Center inside Main Hall at the University of Montana and later the old Milwaukee Train Depot. Dave then explains how his previous work experience with the O’Connor Center helped him find employment at the Montana State Library and Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit organization.